The Best Kit For Winter Running

With the cold nights drawing in, now's the time to think of your winter running wardrobe. Our pick of the best cold-weather kit will keep you running warm this winter

Jacket – Ronhill Trail Torrent

RRP: £140
Lightweight, windproof and waterproof, this jacket has it all. It’s reflective, too, and can pack down into one of its own pockets.

There’s no need to worry about fit, either, as there are numerous toggles and drawstrings that help you to tighten or loosen as appropriate.

This comes in handy when you need to wear the hood, as it can easily be adjusted to the desired position. When the weather’s bad, this bit of kit will make running a whole lot nicer.ronhill.com

Top – ODLO Evolution Warm L/S shirt crew neck

RRP: £50
There are a number of seamless long-sleeve baselayers on the market, but this one uses some of the softest material your tester has come across – a combination of polyamide, elastane and polyester.

Furthermore, it’s a very snug-fitting top, which makes it perfect for when the temperatures drop and you want to wear an additional layer.

And, while it’s a snug fit, it feels nowhere near as restrictive as some of the conventional compression tops.odlo.com

Tights – Saucony omni Reflex

RRP: £69
The Reflex Tight is a great option for the cold winter run. Designed to keep in warmth, the thermal fabric is thick yet breathable and performs well in cooler temperatures.

The reflective leg markings are also ideal for those dark and gloomy morning outings where visibility can be an issue, while a zipped, waterproof, back pocket is plenty big enough for any small essentials.

Some may find the fit a little too snug, though, so try before you buy.saucony.co.uk

Shorts – canterbury vapodri 2 in 1 run short

RRP: £31
Canterbury is more typically associated with the burly world of rugby than the lightweight world of running, but the Vapodri 2 in 1 short is an excellent combination of comfort, flexibility and performance.

The reflective, tight-fitting inner short provides an element of compression and – essential for British wintertime – warmth, and the VapoDri material does a great job of wicking away sweat.

Hat – inov-8 Race Ultra Skull Beanie

RRP: £18
Going for functionality rather than high fashion, this basic beanie is ideal for those looking to move fast and light this winter.

Yes, you may look as though you’re about to rob a bank, but this hat – which features breathable mesh on top and a more wind-resistant fabric around the forehead and ears – is comfortable, lightweight and foldable into the smallest of pockets.

It won’t protect you from a torrential downpour, but as a race-day option it’s hard to beat.inov-8.com

Snood – BUFF merino wool

RRP: £22-£26
Whether worn as a snood, headband or balaclava, a BUFF is a great piece of winter wear. This one, made from 100% merino wool, has the added benefit of being itch-free.

The fibres of merino wool are lighter than any other sheep’s wool, reducing the scratchy, heavy sensation associated with a thick woollen jumper.

At 54g, it’s not going to slow you down, either, and there are a series of colour schemes available: from black to bright pink.buffwear.co.uk

Gloves – Asics Basic Performance Gloves

RRP: £15
Cold hands can turn a pleasant run into a painful nightmare.

These gloves manage to be both reassuringly warm and refreshingly lightweight.

Complete with some intelligent features – the tip of the thumb and index finger is made from material that is touchscreen compatible; the reflective panels make the wearer more visible in lower light – they’re also extremely comfortable, with a velvety finish around the wrist.asics.com/gb/en-gb

Socks – Drymax Cold Weather Running Socks

RRP: £12.98
We defy you to find a comfier, or indeed more effective, pair of winter running socks.

The Dual Layer Moisture Removal System sounds technical, but really all you need to know is that it moves heat-sapping moisture away from your skin – keeping your feet dry and, critically, warm.

The socks come in five sizes for a foot-hugging fit, and the seamless insides and dense padding do a grand job of preventing blisters.ultramarathonrunningstore.com

Runderwear Merino Briefs

RRP: £25 (on sale in October)
Here’s the brief: made with ultra-comfy Merino Wool that absorbs, stores and wicks moisture away from the body, the latest addition to the Runderwear range makes uncomfy underwear a thing of the past.